Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 1 | 25% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 25% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STRETCH LIMOUSINES ALTERED BY KELLY/COACHWORKS. LIMOUSINES MAY NOT CONTAIN ALTERERS CERTIFICATION LABEL IN VIOLATION OF 49 CFR PART 567.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERALREGULATIONS.
Remedy
INSTALL ALTERERS LABELS AS REQUIRED.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STRETCH LIMOUSINES ALTERED BY KELLY/COACHWORKS, INC. LIMOUSINE MAY NOT HAVE ALTERERS TIRE PLACARD WITH CORRECT TIRE SIZE AND LOAD INFORMATION, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 110.
Consequence
VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARD AND CONSUMERRELYING ON THE WRONG INFORMATION MIGHT EXPERIENCE TRAUMATIC TIRE DAMAGE WITHLOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
INSTALL CORRECT TIRE PLACARD.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1987 MERCEDES BENZ 560SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR BROKE AND FELL; THE PLASTIC THAT HELD THE VISOR BROKE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE…”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.